WINSTON WEEKLY^[1]

June 28, 2026

Vol. 4, No. 26

THE GREAT BELLS[2]

Bells have a long history in American history and throughout the world. Often used to alert residents to fires, an approaching enemy attack, or a community gathering, their significance is firmly planted in America today. As America prepares to celebrate 250 years on July 4, the Liberty Bell carries this timeless message: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.”

Although often associated with America’s independence, the Liberty Bell first rang as the State House Bell in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. Ordered from London by Pennsylvania Assemblyman Norris, the initial bell cracked after the first ring. Philadelphia metal workers John Pass and John Snow melted down the original bell, creating what became known years later as the Liberty Bell.  

The message on the bell refers to the “Jubilee,” from the King James version of the Bible. Before becoming a permanent fixture in Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell traveled across the country following the Civil War, a reminder of the fight for independence. It was a massive undertaking given that the bell weighs nearly a ton. There are numerous stories and theories surrounding the infamous crack in the bell, believed to have developed in the 1840s.

The Liberty Bell now hangs from an elm yoke in Philadelphia, along with two other great bells. The Centennial Bell, celebrating America’s 100^th birthday, rings every hour in the tower of Independence Hall. The Bicentennial Bell was a gift from Great Britain in 1976.

WEEKLY ACTIVITY

Explore the rich history behind Philadelphia’s role in American history, and the many Independence Day traditions and celebrations in Philadelphia and beyond. There are multiple books to help you get started, so I will only mention two, in addition to the book referenced in the footnotes: Independence Bells of Philadelphia by Thomas Kaufman, Arcadia Publishing, Nov. 2022; and Philip Wolny’s young reader, We Built This City: Philadelphia, Curious Fox Books, Nov. 2024.

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[1] A weekly blog/newsletter by Alysen Bayles to be shared with the appropriate attribute.

[2] Resources: The Liberty Bell, Independence National Historical Park, www.nps.org; Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell by Robert W. Sands, Jr. and Alexander B. Bartlett, Arcadia Publishing, June 2012.